The ToupTek Astro-G 290C colour camera, with its high sensitivity (QE>81%), is primarily useful as a guide camera, but it can also be used for planetary photography (planetary video).
The 2.07-megapixel camera, equipped with the Sony IMX290 sensor, produces very clear and noise-free images even at shorter exposure times thanks to extremely low readout noise. If you want even better results, you should opt for the higher frame rate models from ToupTek.
The small, 2.9 μm pixel size ensures fine details are captured, while the 12-bit output allows 4096 rich shades to be recorded. The camera has built-in UV/IR filters, so there's no need to buy these separately.
It is also suitable for capturing fainter deep-sky objects - planetary nebulae, compact galaxies - and binary stars, and 1.25" filters can be used if required using the C-mount/1.25" adapter included in the standard package. Thanks to the basic C-mount end, you can also use the camera directly with optional C-mount lenses (or even as a microscope camera with the right adapter).
The ToupTek Astro-G 290C colour camera has a USB 2.0 connection, and can record video at a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels at 18 frames per second.
There's a range of free software available to download from the internet for image capture, SharpCap and FireCapture are particularly recommended for Windows, but the manufacturer's own software (ToupSky) is also great for use. The popular PHD2 software also supports the camera, while the use of the ASCOM driver gives the device even broader support. The camera can be used with Windows, Linux and even Macintosh operating systems.
Factory package contents:
- ToupTek Astro-G 290C colour camera
- ST-4 cable (2 m)
- USB cable (2 m)
- C-thread / 1.25" adapter
